Animal Cruelty Rises In Yorkshire & Northern Lincolnshire

An increasing number of pets in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire are being deliberately abused by their owners.

That's according to the RSPCA which investigated over 20,000 cases across the UK last year.

While overall animal cruelty complaints rose to almost 160,000 in 2014.

East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire were among the worst Northern regions for the number of people convicted of animal welfare offences.

It included a case in Selby in which a dog was left almost completely bald after being neglected.

His owner, a 44-year-old woman, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the male cross breed dog and was given a 12 month community order including 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of almost a £1000.

RSPCA inspector Laura Barber rescued the pet and told Viking FM:

“This dog was suffering from the most horrific case of environmental allergies I hope never to see again.

“He was found to be allergic to all different types of grass, pollen, ragwort, dust and storage mites to name a few, had no fur on 95% of his body and terrible, infected, tough elephant-like skin.

“He was in so much discomfort I thought the vet would advise he needed to be put to sleep but, after a lot of treatment and a lot of help from everyone he came into contact with, a lady who used to care for him at Hull RSPCA fell in love with him and offered him a foster home.

“The fosterer was so happy to be able to adopt him permanently, although he’s costing her quite a lot of money on a monthly basis with regards to his steroids and specialist food.

“I don't think he will ever have full regrowth of all his hair but looks so much better. He will never be cured, but his condition is now managed and he isn't uncomfortable. I couldn't have hoped for a better home for him.”

RSPCA chief veterinary officer James Yeates said:

“It is extremely concerning that we are still receiving more than 20,000 complaints about animals being deliberately caused to suffer and that’s 20,000 too many.

“Most of the complaints we receive involve animals being neglected or not receiving the right care and often we can put that right by offering welfare advice. However, it is shocking that in 2014 people are still being deliberately cruel in what can be disturbingly inventive ways.”